Centre Point

101-103 New Oxford Street, London WC1.

Finished in 1963, speculatively built by property tycoon Harry Hyams. One of the first skyscrapers in London.

I understand that in those days the planning regulations didn't require prior ownership, and that Hyams assembled the site with planning permission prior to acquiring it. I am not sure what the law was about empty rates in those days, but it was a time of turmoil and upheaval. A time when both government and the public were innocent and a bit naive.

The oil shock was about to happen, Ted heath was yet to introduce a wage freeze a price freeze, a the three day week. The IMF were yet to come to help the UK. Jeremy Thorpe was the apple of the establishment eye.

For a period of 10 years or more the building remained empty whilst inflation and property prices soared. As a kid I remember seing TV news clips of protesters with placards and banners marching outside the building.

Inflation had suddenly changedeverything - the capital value of the property was worth more than the rental return. So it made financial sense to keep the building empty. Being so tall - and vacant this building became the focal point of anger at property developers greed.

Now it is a Grade 2 listed building and the protests take place outside other buildings.